Pitt RISE-MH Lived Experience Research Academy (LERA)

Led by Pitt Social Work faculty Dr. Nev Jones, Dr. Shaun Eack, and Dr. Katie Greeno and Dr. Josh Breslau from RAND, this is a virtual 8-week part-time summer program for students with lived experience of

significant psychiatric disabilities intended to strengthen preparation and planning for doctoral programs in mental health-related fields. This 8-week program will combine didactics and hands-on learning and is designed to strengthen research skills and contribute to professional development. Sponsors at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and the Center for Research on Innovations, Services and Equity in Mental Health (RISE-MH) in the School of Social Work. Fellows will receive a $1500 stipend for their participation in the program. 6 Fellows will be selected for the inaugural (2023) cohort. Read more and apply by April 21st.

Pitt faculty and doctoral students presenting at upcoming symposium

Assistant Professor Nev Jones and doctoral student Amanda Cruce presenting at upcoming 11th Annual Adolescent and Young Adult Health Research Symposium. Assistant Professor Rachel Gartner is on the planning committee. The focus of this symposium will be on understanding the ways in which juvenile court, child welfare, educational, and social service systems and practices impact adolescent health with the goal of identifying interventions and strategies to transform systems to optimize adolescent thriving. Join them April 13th by registering here.

PhD student wins CCRRJ Student Scholar Award

Doctoral student Bianca De Bellis has been selected as part of the inaugural cohort of Student Scholars for the Center for Civil Rights and Racial Justice. The purpose of the CCRRJ Student Scholar Fund is to alleviate the financial burden on students who are currently involved or interested in the academic, research, legal, or practical application of advancing civil rights and racial justice for communities facing systemic disparities in areas including but not limited to: police violence, incarceration, housing, education, labor and employment, and health.

Event tonight: Sexual Assault Awareness Month for Circle Up!

Please join us this Sexual Assault Awareness Month for Circle Up! Circle Up! is a new program offered through the Office of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion that facilitates conversations around topics like sexual agency, healthy relationships, expectations, and identity. Circles are a community-building space to help support students to learn and share in a safe, inclusive environment. During SAAM, we are excited to be holding two Circles that are open for any and all students to attend! 

TODAY April 3rd (5:00-6:30 pm) in the Lower Lounge of the William Pitt Union (dinner provided)

Tuesday April 11th (6:30-8:00 pm) WPU 630 (ice cream sundae bar!🍨)

If you are interested in joining us, please use this link to register.

If you'd like to learn more about Circle Up! check out the link.

Celiwe Jones joined Pitt’s CECs as workforce development career counselor

Celiwe Jones (SOC WK ’00) will help job seekers revamp their resumes and find jobs within the Pitt as the new workforce development career counselor for the University’s Community Engagement Centers (CEC).

The new position will work with communities in Homewood and the Hill District, offering career counseling, resume and cover letter support and employment workshops. Along with providing resources for job seekers, Jones will connect local residents with opportunities within the University. Read more in Pittwire.

Behavioral Health (BH) Fellows program

Allegheny County Department of Human Services has launched a new program to support those interested in gaining professional experience serving underserved populations with behavioral health needs. The Behavioral Health (BH) Fellows program offers competitive pay, educational loan repayment of up to $45,000*, and a two-year cohort experience including a retreat, professional and leadership development, and relationship building experiences. More information.

Researchers needed for study

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a research study to understand the experiences, perspectives, and gather recommendations from other University of Pittsburgh researchers about incorporating participants with limited English proficiency in research. Eligible researchers will be students, faculty, or staff who have been the PI or project coordinator on at least one (1) human subjects study in any health-related discipline through the University of Pittsburgh in the last five (5) years. Researchers do not need to have experience including participants with limited English proficiency in their studies in order to take the survey. The survey will take 15-20 minutes to complete. Participants who complete the survey and provide a pitt.edu email address will receive a $20 Target gift card as compensation for their time. To access the survey, please click here. 

If you have any questions please reach out to the study coordinator Olivia Migliori at miglioriog@upmc.edu or 412-738-0223 or Dr. Maya Ragavan, the principal investigator, at ragavanm@chp.edu or by phone at 412-692-6545.